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xangemthelibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This beautifully diverse story shows a part of America I rarely stop to think about: the families and children who struggle with poverty and homelessness. Karina Yan Glaser is very gentle in broaching subjects like parents struggling with mental illness or holding down jobs, a government who doesn't see unhoused families as anything but statistics to be obliterated, and the courage often needed to stand up for your own human rights when facing against impossible odds.
The story did feel kind of unfinished. But I think that was the point.We don't know whether Tyrell is still going to have to move or not before his mom is able to hold down a job. We don't know how long June, Maybelle, and their mother is going to be in the shelter. We don't know if Ms. G is going to ever get the justice she deserves after being fired. We don't know if Maybelle will ever get to adopt Nana. We don't know what happens to Jameel after he is taken away. I think that's kind of the nature of being unable to care for yourself or have stable, consistent living conditions to thrive in. It's heartbreaking.
The story did feel kind of unfinished. But I think that was the point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
imstephtacular's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Classism
Minor: Death, Car accident, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Gun violence, Colonisation, Death of parent, Racism, and Bullying
bella_cavicchi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh gosh, I wasn't prepared to CRY while reading today. I will read anything Karina Yan Glaser writes, and her first standalone novel is a thoughtful example of what she does best: writing stories about found families and standing up for what's right, all against the vibrancy of New York City. Sure, the ending might be unrealistic, but I simply don't care. Let us celebrate literature that celebrates community. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Grief
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